The World Cup is about to arrive in New Jersey, and so is the traffic.
Whether you’re traveling to NYNJ Stadium, aka MetLife Stadium, for any of the eight matches, heading to a fan festival or watch party, or simply trying to get around the state during the tournament, planning ahead will be key.
NJ Transit is operating train, bus, light rail and Access Link services to help fans get through the area. Fans can take NJ Transit from Penn Station in New York or any New Jersey train station and get off at Secaucus Junction, where they’ll need to transfer to a dedicated match-day train to the stadium. Regular train service will continue on match days, but for four hours before kickoff, access to the stadium train will be limited to ticketholders only.
Though NJ Transit originally announced roundtrip fares at $150 instead of the usual $12.90 per person, game-day roundtrip fares were later reduced to $98.
You can download the NJ Transit Mobile App to plan your trip, check schedules, track your ride and get real-time updates.
Shuttle buses will run to the stadium from park-and-ride locations at various transit hubs for fans who plan to drive. Parking passes must be purchased in advance, and prices increase 24 hours before each match. The shuttle bus is $20.
You can also book a rideshare service, but you’ll be dropped off outside the stadium and have to board a bus to get in, too.
If you’re not going to the game – but instead have to get to work – commuters should plan ahead, factor in travel delays, or try to work from home on match days. Keep in mind, the platforms and stations will be crowded, too. Regular train commuters needing to get into Penn Station on June 22 and 30 are eligible for a discount.
Other NJ Areas That Could See World Cup Crowds
Check traffic before heading out, even if you’re nowhere near the stadium. Whether you’re heading to the Jersey Shore for a beach day, planning a local staycation or having dinner downtown — especially in towns like Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and Camden, where fan fests are scheduled — the area is expected to welcome 1.2 million visitors over the next 39 days.
The Goya Presents Flag Cities fan festivals are:
- June 12 in Jersey City; before the Brazil vs. Morocco match on June 13
- June 14 in Overpeck Park in Bergen County; before the France vs. Senegal match on June 16
- June 21 in Secaucus; before the Norway vs. Senegal match on June 22
- June 24 in Newark; before the Ecuador vs. Germany match on June 25
- June 26 in East Rutherford & Rutherford; before the Panama vs. England match on June 27
American Dream, right next to NYNJ Stadium, has its own 39-day Dream Fan Fest – kicking off with the debut of the Dream Live Performing Arts Center with a performance by French Montana on June 13; plus live performances, celebrity appearances, brand activations and giveaways.
American Dream is also home to The Soccer Factory, a museum honoring Diego Maradona; an Adidas soccer-focused flagship store; and The Messi Experience.
Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison will have its own Fan Hub throughout the season, and the arena can hold a capacity of 25,000. June 14 is Sports Illustrated Stadium’s Family Day, with watch parties for Germany vs. Curacao and Netherlands vs. Japan, Red Bull NY player meet-and-greets, interactive soccer activities, a Bull Run skills challenge, 1-vs-1 game play, a soccer Skee-Ball challenge, and a KIDZ BOP LIVE Concert.
You could also see some tie-ups in the area of certain team’s base camps, with fans trying to get a glimpse of the players boarding their bus. Of the 48 countries playing fútbol in the World Cup: Brazil is practicing at the Columbia Park Training Center in Morris Twp.; Haiti’s Team Base Camp is at Stockton University in Galloway; the headquarters for Morocco is at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge; and Senegal is practicing at Rutgers University’s campus in Piscataway.
The New Jersey match schedule is:
- June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco
- June 16: France vs. Senegal
- June 22: Norway vs. Senegal
- June 25: Ecuador vs. Germany
- June 27: Panama vs. England
- June 30: Round of 32 match
- July 5: Round of 16 match
- July 19: Final
Philadelphia will host a series of games, too, at Philadelphia Stadium (aka Lincoln Financial Field):
- June 14 Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador
- June 19: Brazil vs. Haiti
- June 22: France vs. Iraq
- June 25: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire
- June 27: Croatia vs. Ghana
- July 4: Round of 16 match
If you didn’t score tickets yet, FIFA has an official Resale/Exchange Marketplace at FIFA.com/tickets.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
We Got a First Look at Elizabeth’s, NJ’s Buzziest New Italian Restaurant (+ It Has an Aperol Spritz Vending Machine)
Where to Find Knicks-Themed Bagels, Donuts, Cookies and Treats in New Jersey
The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music Opens This Weekend in NJ
Why Is My Teen So Tired at the End of the School Year?
What Causes Social Anxiety in Teens?
